OneBeat inverts the standard approach to music diplomacy –
touring an American band overseas – and focuses instead
on providing the meeting place where musicians from around
the world can collectively imagine new sonic universes and
social realities.

We at the cm5 former portable classroom building feel that presenting each event is an epochal moment worthy of later reflection. Being involved in our third OneBeat event (and fifth collaboration with Found Sound Nation when counting Dosti Music Project) will hold a particular footnote with at least one of these symbols attached: †, ‡, §, ‖, ¶. Getting musicians from seventeen different countries here (at the same time, logistically) to play music together as what Neil deGrasse Tyson just explained to us as ambassadors of the Cosmic Perspective, should probably get all the footnote symbols.

The Orlando/Timucua performances act
as a preview of sorts to both audiences and musicians on these tours. Look for that sense of surprise not just on the audience faces. The musicians are on the voyage of discovery along with you, the listener.

Here is OneBeat 2016’s description of what is coming:

In a time of global refugee crises and immigration debates, OneBeat brings together artists from around the world to collaborate on new music, celebrate their differences, and share the personal and collective journeys of each musical culture.

“Music is the international language of peace and possibilities.” – John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State

“A United Nations of Music… world music in its truest sense.” – The New York Times “OneBeat is one of the greatest initiatives in advancing the meeting of cultures worldwide.” – Jazz trumpeter and 2012 OneBeat Collaborating Artist Dave Douglas

OneBeat convenes 25 ear-bending musical change-makers from around the world to perform original works and lead participatory workshops with diverse American communities along the route of the Great Migration. Hailing from 17 different countries, OneBeat’s wonderfully eclectic musicians include: an underground producer and rapper from Santiago de Cuba, a visionary Kaohsiung-based sound artist, a Muscovite gusli player (the oldest Russian multi-string plucked instrument), a virtuosa darbuka player from Istanbul, a soul singer from Seattle, and 20 other incredible artists.

Initiated by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairsand produced by Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation, OneBeat inverts the standard approach to music diplomacy – touring an American band overseas – and focuses instead on providing the meeting place where musicians from around the world can collectively imagine new sonic universes and social realities. This year’s OneBeat theme of Musical Migrations encourages fellows to explore how people’s movement across the globe has shaped music, and conversely, how music can encourage dialogue and resilience amidst displacement and upheaval.

OneBeat begins at the Atlantic Center for the Artsin New Smyrna Beach, FL for a two-week intensive residency from September 10-25. The residency will be followed by a two-week, four-state tour that will trace the Great Migration and honor the global impact of African-American music by connecting with musical communities in the birthplace of jazz (New Orleans), the home of Bessie Smith (Chattanooga), and the sweet home for blues, electronic music, and hip hop (Chicago). In each of these sites, OneBeat fellows will present audiences with a dynamic series of public performances, “street studios” (mobile recording studios) and educational events in collaboration with local musicians, educators, and community organizations. These connections and collaborations during the program will be the launching pad for fellows’ own music-driven initiatives, as they develop project ideas for their communities that leverage the power of music for social good.

All along the tour, people of all ages and backgrounds will have the rare opportunity to experience live what it sounds like when adventurous musicians from different parts of the world combine forces, and learn first-hand about the process of cross-cultural dialogue and creative collaboration. All OneBeat events will draw inspiration from stories of Musical Migrations, including the voices of migrant and refugee groups in each community, both currently and historically.

Participate in the Timucua instant arts community created by each event by appearing willing – described by composer Anthony Braxton as the “friendly experiencer.” Timucua encourages a small plate dish and a bottle of wine for community distribution. We’ll see you there.